14.1 vs 9/10 ball

[Lux]

I have the utmost respect for straight pool as a game, but as top pros can make runs of 200 points then it's not a good test of skill. Both players need to have fair opportunities at the table and this is what 10-ball provides. Winner-breaks 10-ball a race to, say, 10 is IMO a better test of professionals' skills than straight pool to 200 points. Making one bad shot (or not good enough break shot) and losing the whole match on it is too much of a punishment.

While you make a respectable point, my understanding is that straight pool tournaments run multiple frames (best of three), not one uninterrupted session. Similarly, a century break in snooker also forces the opponent to have no further visits to the table, but you are sweating your bloody arse off to produce that century in match play! I feel that turning over a frame in 14.1 and snooker with one or two visits is legitimately earned.

 

[Majic]

14.1 was the best test, is the best test, & will always be the better test vs. any rotation game.

I respectfully disagree with you Tim. I believe 15 ball rotation is the toughest game !!

 

[real bartram]

I think you should of added One pocket to your list. It is the toughest game and it requires all skills to play at the highest level. If you are weak at any part of pool your opponent will attack your weakness. One pocket is also the best stall game out there.

I play mostly 9 Ball/10 Ball since thats the game of choice by most players.

yes 1 pocket is a good test.
banks is also a good test.
now days 14.1 is for prac.

 

[Joe T]

Yes, but if you hang the ball it is considered a successful shot where in 9 or 10 ball it is considered a sell out.

I cannot argue with your expertise and I respect your skill and experience. Therefore, please don't take my comments the wrong way. Obviously, I am not a one pocket afficiando.

No offense taken and I didn't mean to offend you either.

With the hanging situation it all depends when did they hang it? If they hang it and put you somewhere tied up then yes it was a successful, well planned and executed shot. If they hang it knowing you were going to have a shot at your hole if they miss (thats when they shake) then the hanging was a sell out.

One thought that I just had was usually losing 1 rack or game of 1P is probably the equivelant to losing 3 racks of 8 or 9 ball and thats one of the reasons for the added pressure of pocketing balls in 1P. hmmm never thought of it like that before.


I think a better way to answer our question about which game is the truest test may be for all of us to ask ourselves;
If my life depended on it and I had to play Efren in his prime which game would do I choose?
8B to 15
9B to 15
10B to 15
14.1 to 200
1P to 5
Banks not sure on the race but say 6 or 7 short rack & 3 full rack?

If this is not a good way to answer the question I don't mind being corrected at all, we might actually come up with the real answer.
Which would be unusual

 

[Tennesseejoe]

14.1 is a great practice game and will help you beome a much better player----BUT---the greatest test of skill from the options listed is 10 Ball with a 2 shot foul (Pushout) rule.